A bill seeking to provide pensions and retirement benefits for former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Principal Officers, and members of the Plateau State House of Assembly has passed its second reading, drawing sharp criticism from a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), which has described the proposal as ill-timed and contrary to the public interest.
The bill was considered during Tuesday’s plenary in Jos, presided over by the Speaker of the House, Daniel Nanlong.
Sponsored by Eli Ankala (APC/Rukuba-Irigwe), the proposed legislation passed both its first and second readings during the sitting. If enacted, it would establish the Plateau State House of Assembly Pension Board to administer pensions and retirement benefits for former lawmakers.
Presenting the bill, Ankala said the proposed Pension Board would oversee pension administration, collate and maintain pension records, eliminate ghost pensioners, and promote efficient, transparent, and accountable management of retirement benefits.
According to him, the legislation is intended to create a structured and sustainable pension system for former legislators who have served the state.
“The establishment of the Pension Board would strengthen the administration of pension matters through proper documentation of beneficiaries, effective data management and regular verification to prevent irregularities.
“The bill is designed to ensure that eligible former lawmakers receive their retirement benefits in an orderly, transparent and accountable manner, while promoting prudent management of public resources.
“The legislation would also provide a legal framework for pension administration, improve record-keeping and enhance public confidence in the management of retirement benefits for former members of the Assembly,” Ankala said.
However, the proposal has been rejected by a coalition of civil society organisations in Plateau State, which argued that introducing lifetime pension obligations for former political office holders is inappropriate given the state’s current economic realities.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Jos, the coalition’s Convener, Steve Aluko, described the bill as self-serving and inconsistent with the principles of accountability, transparency, and people-centred governance.
“At a time when Plateau is grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and competing development priorities, creating additional lifetime financial obligations for former political office holders cannot be justified.
“It does not reflect the aspirations or immediate needs of the people,” Aluko said.
The coalition also criticised the speed with which the bill progressed through the legislative process, noting reports that it passed its first and second readings on the same day without adequate scrutiny.
“The coalition is particularly disturbed by the manner in which the bill was handled. Reports indicate that it passed its first and second readings on the same day without sufficient legislative scrutiny or public engagement.
“Equally concerning is that the contents of the bill have not been made publicly accessible, denying citizens, civil society, labour unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders the opportunity to examine provisions that seek to commit public resources.
“The apparent absence of a public hearing for a bill with significant fiscal implications undermines transparency, weakens public confidence in the legislative process and contradicts the principles of participatory democracy.
“Plateau requires policies that stimulate economic growth, strengthen public services and improve the welfare of citizens, not legislation that appears to prioritise the interests of a few over the collective good,” he added.
Aluko called on the Plateau State House of Assembly to suspend further consideration of the bill and subject it to a comprehensive public hearing before proceeding with the legislative process. He also urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to withhold assent should the bill be transmitted to him in its current form.
Meanwhile, the House also considered other legislative business during Tuesday’s plenary. The House Committee on Health presented its report on a bill seeking to provide funding and other support for approved faith-based health institutions in the state.
Presenting the report, Yakubu Sanda (APC/Pengana) recalled that the House referred the bill to the committee on 25 March 2025 for detailed consideration and a public hearing, which was held on 22 August 2025 with input from key stakeholders.
Sanda said the bill received broad public support because it would strengthen the delivery of compassionate, high-quality healthcare services to residents regardless of faith, race, or socio-economic status, while helping to reduce health disparities in underserved communities.
Also during the plenary, a bill seeking to prohibit the manufacture, transportation, and sale of single-use plastics in Plateau State, sponsored by Prof. Theodore Maiyaki (APC/Qua’an Pan South), passed its second reading.
